it was smitten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was smitten" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been struck or affected, often in a metaphorical sense, such as being deeply affected by love or emotion. Example: "After their first meeting, he realized it was smitten, and he couldn't stop thinking about her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was smitten hard on the side by a big, cruel Lexus and tossed uncaringly (but safely, for the occupants) aside.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When I tried it on, though, I was smitten by its silhouette — cropped and belled, with narrow armholes.

The New Yorker

I just go for it.” I was smitten by her honesty.

Vice

The first time I had one at Harry's I was smitten and it didn't all have to do with the romance of Venice.

Los Angeles Times

But I was smitten.

The New Yorker

Instantaneously, I was smitten.

The New York Times

And I was smitten by teaching.

Chemistry Central Journal

Of course, I was smitten.

Vice

The German language has a word for it -- fernweh, the exact opposite of heimweh, or homesickness -- and I am smitten with it.

The New York Times - Travel

But the Christmas he was 15, his parents took him and his sister skiing in Colorado, and that was it — he was smitten.

The New York Times

Still, when Christopher Carley went to see it shortly after it opened, he was smitten.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was smitten" to convey a sense of sudden and strong attraction or infatuation. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the emotion or impact implied by the word "smitten".

Common error

Avoid using "it was smitten" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or descriptive term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "captivated", "charmed", or "impressed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was smitten" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something or someone experienced a strong feeling of attraction or infatuation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and shows examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was smitten" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a strong feeling of attraction or infatuation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its usage is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the formality of the writing context and opt for more neutral alternatives if necessary. Remember to use it to show sudden and strong attraction while keeping consistency in your register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was smitten with

Adds "with" to specify the object of affection or fascination.

it was captivated

Changes from "smitten" to "captivated", emphasizing the feeling of being charmed or fascinated.

it was charmed

Replaces "smitten" with "charmed", focusing on the delightful or pleasing effect.

it was enchanted

Substitutes "smitten" with "enchanted", highlighting a magical or spellbound quality.

it was enthralled

Uses "enthralled" instead of "smitten", suggesting a state of being completely captivated.

it was fascinated

Replaces "smitten" with "fascinated", indicating a strong interest or intrigue.

it was allured

Substitutes "smitten" with "allured", implying attraction or temptation.

it was bewitched

Uses "bewitched" instead of "smitten", suggesting a state of being under a magical influence.

it was beguiled

Replaces "smitten" with "beguiled", focusing on being charmed in a deceptive way.

it was infatuated

Substitutes "smitten" with "infatuated", highlighting a feeling of intense but short-lived passion.

FAQs

What does "it was smitten" mean?

The phrase "it was smitten" means that something or someone was deeply affected, charmed, or infatuated by another. It implies a strong and often sudden feeling of attraction or enchantment.

How can I use "it was smitten" in a sentence?

You can use "it was smitten" to describe a feeling of intense attraction or infatuation. For example, "The moment he saw the artwork, "he was smitten" by its beauty."

What are some alternatives to "it was smitten"?

Some alternatives to "it was smitten" include "captivated", "charmed", "enchanted", or "fascinated". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was smitten" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was smitten" might be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using a more neutral or descriptive term like "captivated" or "deeply impressed" to maintain a professional tone.